Ghana’s sports industry was hit with the demise of Goodwill Ambassador, Mr Emmanuel Raymond Quarcoo, in the wee hours of Friday.
He was 90.
Popularly known as ‘Uncle Ray’, he is credited for the roles he played in shaping the careers of former Ghanaian boxing greats such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey, Joseph Agbeko and Isaac Dogboe.
Ambassador Quarcoo dedicated much of his life to the development of sports in Ghana, particularly boxing. He spent decades working quietly behind the scenes, identifying talent, mentoring young athletes, building institutions and investing his personal resources to ensure that Ghana’s rich boxing tradition remains alive.
His influence extended beyond Ghana as an executive member of the International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly AIBA, while he also served as a management member of the Black Stars.
He served as President of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF), now Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), on two separate occasions and later Vice-President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), where he played a central role in strengthening the structures of boxing administration in the country.
As a businessman, sports administrator, philanthropist and mentor, he made significant contributions to Ghana’s sporting landscape, particularly through his support for boxing, football and sports journalism.
Paying tribute to the sports ambassador, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), the body he served as Patron until his demise, described him as a distinguished diplomat, entrepreneur, sports administrator and a cherished patron of the Association.
A statement signed by the SWAG President, Mr Kwabena Yeboah, commended his significant contributions to Ghana’s sporting landscape.
“Ambassador Quarcoo’s relationship with SWAG reflected his strong appreciation for sports journalism and his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at documenting and promoting Ghanaian sports.”
“His support for the Association was equally remarkable, with SWAG recalling his close relationship with sports journalists and his regular attendance at major events organised by the Association, especially the prestigious SWAG Awards.”
For the association, “his death is a loss of a father, friend, patron and valued member of the extended SWAG family.”
“The leadership and entire membership of SWAG extend our deepest condolences to the Quarcoo family,” the statement said.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
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